Marieta Islands: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Do you want to dive into a gorgeous hidden beach? Marieta Islands is the place for you! One of the most frequently talked-about destinations in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, has to be the Marieta Islands hidden beach.

For years, people have been drawn to the island refuge by its enigmatic allure and unusual experiences; it is one of the beaches in Puerto Vallarta you definitely won’t want to miss on the next getaway.

The Marieta Islands, with their remote beaches and vibrant marine life, promise a wonderful experience for anyone prepared to travel on this off-the-beaten-path journey. This thorough book will teach you all you need to know.

Marieta Islands: The Ultimate Travel Guide

History of Marieta Islands

The Marieta Islands have been formed by underwater volcanic explosions thousands of years ago. However, tradition has it that the hidden island was produced by something other than a natural occurrence.

The Marieta Islands are made up of three main islands and six smaller islands that constitute an archipelago. The islands are totally uninhabited and have been designated as a national park, known as Marieta Islands National Park, since 2005.

The Mexican government decided to put conservation measures in place and limit the number of visitors each day to 116. As a result, booking ahead of time is essential to ensure you get to visit.

How to Go to Marieta Islands

The Marieta Islands are located roughly fifty minutes from Puerto Vallarta, off the coast of Riviera Nayarit, close to the town of Punta Mita.

The islands, of which can be reached easily by boat and provide unique opportunities for snorkeling and bird viewing, provide a respite for travelers searching for the best Puerto Vallarta beaches.

By Boat Ride

It’s the nearest to Punta de Mita, where the boat ride takes around 15 minutes. It might take an hour or an hour and a half from Puerto Vallarta’s main pier, considering wind and water conditions.

While you may travel there on your own boat, if you want to visit the beach on your island holiday, you’ll probably need to work with a local tour operator to secure a ticket and pay a national park fee.

By Tours

Because the only way to get to these islands is via boat, taking a tour is the best choice. Local tour operators generally incorporate snorkeling and kayaking in their tours to the Islas Marietas.

If you visit between the months of November and March, you may observe humpback whales at Banderas Bay. You will still have to swim a considerable distance when the tide is low, but the spectacular panoramas, clear oceans, and gleaming surroundings make it worthwhile.

6 Top Things to Do in Marieta Islands

Look no further than the Marieta Islands for a memorable trip and a taste of paradise. Here are the best things to do in this picturesque location.

1. Discover the Hidden Beach

The famed hidden beach is, of course, the primary attraction of the Marietas Islands Mexico. Because the secluded beach only allows 116 guests each day, you must book this excursion in advance.

The island where Mexico’s secret beach is located was formerly a training facility for the Mexican military.

Depending on the inclusions of your Marietas Islands trip, snorkeling equipment and perhaps flippers will be given.

To book this tour click here.

2. Wildlife Watching

Marietas Islands is home to a wide variety of attractive and distinctive plant and animal species. You may witness dolphins as well as humpback whales without taking a special excursion between November and March.

Sharks, manta rays, along with orcas can also be seen in the vicinity. The islands are inhabited by more than 80 different bird species, making it an ideal location for bird-watching excursions. Fishing is strictly prohibited within the national park.

3. Hiking

A short trek around Isla Larga may be done from Playa Nopalera. This is a short and simple climb suitable for people of all fitness levels. When you arrive at Playa Nopalera, the vessel’s captain will inform you how long you will be on the island.

Many visitors who travel to Playa Nopalera enjoy diving and water activities, thus the hiking excursion on Isla Larga will be devoid of crowds. The vistas of the Bay of Banderas from here are magnificent.

4. Diving in Marietas Islands

This is perhaps the greatest scuba diving location in western Mexico. The Islas Marietas, which are part of an oceanic mountain range that peeks above the ocean’s surface, mark the entry to Banderas Bay towards the Pacific.

Some divers coming from across the world want to make deep dives in the Marietas due to the rich biodiversity. The Marietas are rich in marine life, and night dives are also accessible.

When diving in the Marietas, visitors will also have the opportunity to explore underwater caverns, tunnels, and arches.

5. Visit Punta Mita

After a trip to the Marietas Islands, you may visit the little village of Punta Mita. Walkabout, observe the colorful streets, and, most importantly, enjoy Zarandeado, Nayarit’s greatest seafood dish, a grilled flying fish that you aren’t going to be able to get anywhere else.

6. Choose the Right Tour Operator

Because the Marieta Islands are protected, exploring them needs a guided excursion. Choosing the correct tour operator may have a significant influence on your whole experience.

Find a trustworthy and eco-conscious operator who practices sustainable tourism by conducting research and reading reviews. Consider operators who have skilled guides who can provide information about the area’s history, flora, and animals.

Best Marieta Islands Group Tours to Join

While you may explore these islands on your own, joining a group trip can enhance your experience by giving professional advice, safety, and the opportunity to meet other travelers.

Here are the top Marieta Islands group tours that will take you on an amazing adventure to this tropical paradise.

From Nueva Vallarta: Marietas Islands Hidden Beach Tour

Meeting Place: Blvrd Nayarit, 63735 Nuevo Vallarta
Price: $127.78 per person

Begin your adventure with a breakfast served on board. Get a quick summary of the adventure that greets you from the guides.

When you arrive at the Marietas Islands, swim for about 80 meters by way of a tunnel to get to Hidden Beach. Enjoy 15 to 20 minutes of admiring a stunning national park.

Then, continue exploring these beautiful islands. Use the snorkeling equipment offered to see the vibrant aquatic life that surrounds you. The voyage back to the Pier will then commence.

Day Tour Highlights:

• Enjoy the natural splendor of the deserted Marietas Islands.
•  Sailboats allow you to visit more lovely islands.
•  Snorkeling activities allow you to discover a great range of species.

To book this tour click here.

From Vallarta: Marietas Islands Snorkel Cruise

Meeting Place: Las Palmas 39, 63732 Nuevo Vallarta
Price: $102.95 per person

Kayak or paddleboard through the rocky tunnels and archways. Get up near and personal and experience the Marieta Islands’ myriad natural treasures.

See the diverse marine life beneath the surface via snorkeling or scuba diving. Look for manta rays, marine turtles, and an abundance of multicolored fish. Use the free snorkeling equipment and kayaks.

Sail to Majahuitas’ beach. This sand beach is great for relaxing and swimming. Enjoy one of Mexico’s most beautiful and peaceful Pacific coast beaches.

Soak up the rays and unwind aboard a comfy catamaran. Take a sip from the open bar. Breakfast is provided. You may have a deli-style meal in the afternoon.

Day Tour Highlights:

• Explore Majahuitas Beach, one of Mexico’s most remote and picturesque beaches on the Pacific Coast.
• Immerse yourself in the unspoiled beauty of the tropics.
• Take advantage of an oasis of beautiful sand beaches and turquoise seas.

To book this tour click here.

La Cruz de Huanacaxtle: Full-Day Marietas Islands Boat Tour

Meeting Place: Av de la Langosta M1, Marina
Price: $127.78per person

Experience a top-deck diving board as well as two waterslides, as well as fishing nets and gear for those interested. There is a continental breakfast, a buffet, and an open bar, as well as optional pickup and drop-off in Sayulita.

While cruising to the Marietas Islands, a continental breakfast will be given. When you get to the Marietas, you will have the option to explore the main beach, which is known as Playa La Nopalera. After seeing the island, you’ll have plenty of chances to swim and play in the sea.

Day Tour Highlights:

•  Investigate the main beach.
•  Take in the breathtaking landscape of Banderas Bay.
• Day Trip to the Marietas Islands for snorkeling.

To book this tour click here.

Practical Tips Before Visiting Marieta Islands

It is critical to be well-prepared before beginning your excursion to this natural treasure. Here are a few helpful tips for having an exciting and responsible vacation to the Marieta Islands.

Book Ahead

Because the Marietas Islands are a nationally protected region, visits are limited to 116 per day. Most tour firms are limited to 25 passengers per day, whereas smaller boats are limited to 14 passengers.

To guarantee your seat, plan your trip to Marietas Islands Mexico no less than one month in advance. This tour is also quite popular, therefore scheduling ahead of time is strongly advised.

There is an Age Limit

Children under the age of ten, as well as people aged 60 and over, are not permitted to visit Mexico’s secret beach.

You can still visit the secret beach if you are going with this age group, but your travel partners must stay on the boat while you explore the hidden beach. Prices vary if you purchase the excursion without visiting the secret beach.

Don’t Use Your Drones!

Drones are prohibited in the Marietas Islands. If you wish to fly your drone, you can seek permission from the Puerto Vallarta office, but this is a long shot because the procedure might take months or weeks!

At all costs, avoid flying your drone on the Marietas Islands. There is a guarded bird reserve here, and you may disturb their tranquility, as well as the peace of the other species who live on these islands.

Always Have Cash

Carry a few bucks with you because most tour companies will charge you an extra $5.85 conservation fee. This fee will not be included in the trip cost and needs to be paid in cash at the port of entry.

Best Time to Visit Marieta Islands

The good news is that, with the exception of September and October, Marietas Islands, is an all-year vacation spot. It is recommended to visit the Marietas Islands around November and March for the finest weather and visibility.

This is additionally the time of year when the majestic whales migrate north, so you will have a good opportunity to see them on your excursion to the islands.

What’s very intriguing is that you have nothing to spend money on a whale-watching excursion because it’s included in the Marietas Islands tour.

Final Thoughts on the Marieta Islands Tour

The Marieta Islands are a hidden jewel in the midst of Mexico’s Pacific coast, offering an exquisite combination of natural beauty and adventure.

The Marieta Islands are a place that should be on every traveler’s bucket list as you discover the beautiful beaches, unusual fauna, and strange secret beaches that this archipelago has to offer.

The waves may be turbulent for people who wish to take a small panga from Punta de Mita to see the islands. As you visit this intriguing archipelago, remember to appreciate the natural beauty, practice responsible tourism, and leave no trace so that future generations can experience the Marieta Islands’ charm as well.